2013 Letter

Happy almost New Year Friends and Family,

2013 was a good year overall.

For my yearly “big” trip, I went to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with a drive by in Lichtenstein in October. I had such great weather! 

I started in Mainz and then to Heidelberg. In Switzerland, I spent a few nights in Lucerne and also went to Mount Pilatus. On the way to Austria, did a stop by in Lichtenstein. I went to Austria last year, but only to Vienna. This year, I went to Innsbruck and Salzburg. I spent most of my time in Germany in Munich (I think six nights). Plus some side trips from the various cities to Neuschwanstein Castle, Eagle’s Nest, Linderhof, and spent a few hours in Oberammergou. From Munich, I did day trips to Dachau and Regensburg.

I really liked Lucerne. It’s on my list of places that would make great honeymoon spots. It was so magical and beautiful. And being on Mount Pilatus was amazing. I kept trying to take a mental picture to remember the peace I felt up there so I can remember it during stressful times. I also enjoyed spending time in the Black Forest doing my own version of hiking. Seeing two of “Mad King” Ludwig’s castles was cool. Neuschwanstein Castle is supposed to have inspired Walt Disney so it got me thinking about my prince charming and happily ever after.

During the trip, I was trying to rank the churches and castles I have seen in my travel. It’s hard because they are all wonderful in their own unique ways.

Trip Highlights:

• Going to the Gutenberg Museum and seeing the three Bibles. Also hearing about the history of printing was very timely since I was waiting on my books!
• The beauty of Lucerne. It was very magical.
• I was surprised how moved I was by the Lion Monument in Lucerne. Louis XVI had around 600 armed guards from Austria. When the revolution started and the people stormed the palace, he ordered his guards to not raise their swords. The guards obeyed and were killed. So this monument honors them. The Lion, looks so sad. His paw is on his shield and he's crying and he has a spear in his side.
• Peacefulness of Black Forest and Mount Pilatus. Moments I wish I could bottle up.
• Magic of Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof. Ah the power of imagination.
• Spending a nice, warm, fall day with new friends in the English Garden in Munich.

And perhaps the most enjoyable part of traveling is realizing how many feet have trod where I walked. Like the stone bridge in Regensburg that was built in 1146. Amazing!

Me in Lucerne

I traveled to Long Beach for my job in March. That was great because I got to so see some colleagues who I have grown quite found of over the years. In May, I went to New England for the first time. It was nice visiting my friend and visiting another part of the country. During that trip, I liked Gloucester especially. It felt like a working waterfront, which is something I love.

Me in Gloucester

I am still working for the Port of Seattle. October 1, 2013, marked my 17th anniversary (included my temp time). It’s crazy how quickly that time went, and I can say I have met some really amazing people through the organization. Hopefully the port and I can stay together as long as possible.

The most exciting thing on the church front was finishing the compiling, editing and publishing of the anthology for my church! It’s available online at Amazon as well as Barnes and Noble. It was a long effort, and I am quite pleased with the results. I am still working on the newsletter. The January issue will begin year 13! Totally crazy! And the April issue will make issue 50. Wowzers! I am excited for the double issue. I still usher. I was reminded of my “mean usher” days and it made me smile. How far we have come.

The book

My hair is coming along. January 8 marked four years of locking. People ask me if it’s “all me” quite a bit, and yes it is.

I have no idea of what 2014 will bring, but I am excited! I haven’t had any big major changes in my life in a while, but I feel like I am ready to shake things up. Everything is the same: same company, same job, same place, same car, etc. I suppose this is good, but it could be time for a new challenge. I know I want to express myself creatively more: writing, painting, and photography.

I hope you had a great Christmas, and I wish you a Happy New Year!

I took a seaplane ride for the first time. Seattle from the air.

Questions from Yam’s Blog: Year Six

What did you do in 2013 that you'd never done before?

The most exciting thing was finishing the compiling, editing and publishing of the anthology for my church! It’s available on Amazon.

I went to Germany and Switzerland for the first time, which was cool. I especially liked Lucerne.

I also flew in a seaplane, which was one of the things I wanted to do from my “life experience” list.

I went to New England for the first time in May to visit my friend Diana.

I also played a Dungeon and Dragons game for the first time. It was fun! And I did the Challenge Nation scavenger hunt, which was fun too!

Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

My only goal was to keep traveling, which I did. I will not make any for next year. My church is going to do some sort of 90-day challenge. I’m not sure on the details, but I think it’s about creating habits.

I would like to spend more time expressing myself creatively. I want to write more and dab into painting. I used my camera phone a lot this year, and I would like to continue it into next year. I need to get a good camera. I’m extremely excited that the 50^th issue of my church newsletter will come out in April. I also would like to do some hiking.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Anitra and Des. They both had boys!

Did anyone close to you die?

No.

What countries did you visit?

I went to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with a drive by in Lichtenstein. I started in Mainz and then to Heidelberg. In Switzerland, I spent a few nights in Lucerne and also went to Mount Pilatus. On the way to Austria, did a stop by in Lichtenstein. I went to Austria last year, but only to Vienna. This year, I went to Innsbruck and Salzburg. I spent most of my time in Germany in Munich (I think six nights). Plus some day trips from the various cities to Neuschwanstein Castle, Eagle’s Nest, Linderhof, and spent a few hours in Oberammergou. From Munich, I did day trips to Dachau and Regensburg.

What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?

I need to do more volunteer work. I’ve been thinking, and I need to figure out a way to give more of my time and resources.

What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory?

Memories of travel stick out over time. I can remember the names of people I’ve meet even for a few hours because they are part of an amazing journey of openness.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Completing the anthology was huge! I had to just let it go despite any fears and insecurities on my part. I was so worried about not noticing something that needed to be editing. But I had to let that go and not worry about it. It’s easy to be a critic, creating is hard.

I also took a public speaking course this year. It’s something I have tried to avoid, but I have to embrace it.

What was your biggest failure?

I don’t handle “disappointments” well. And after my meltdowns, things fall into place. I’m trying to get better at my reactions especially since I know that all things work for my good. I’m kind of a spoiled brat, but I do my whining and pouting in private.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

No. My health tends to be good.

What was the best thing you bought?

My plane ticket! Always a good investment. I do want to buy a new, good camera early next year.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

I noticed that a lot of people are trying to accomplish their dreams. I am very proud of those people.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I am finding the people I have the strongest reaction to are normally people who exhibit behavior I see in myself.

Where did most of your money go?

Outside of normally monthly experience, travel, which is a good thing.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

My trip and the book!

What song/album will always remind you of 2013?

Nothing stands out.

Compared to this time last year, are you:

happier or sadder? Happier

thinner or fatter? Fatter

richer or poorer? Richer

What do you wish you'd done more of?

I wish I could afford to do more travel.

What do you wish you'd done less of?

I could have spent less time stressing and worrying over things I can’t change.

How will you be spending New Year's?

New Year’s Eve at church then home.

Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?

I don’t really talk on the phone

Did you fall in love in 2013?

No! But I think I’m ready ;).

How many one night stands in this last year?

Do people do that? I don’t.

What was your favorite TV program?

The only shows I followed are Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

I don’t really hate anyone, but there are people who are not healthy to be around.

What was the best book(s) you read?

I don’t think I read anything new this year. Just re-reads.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

No new music.

What did you want and get?

I wanted to travel, and I was able to save enough money to do so.

What did you want and not get?

I’m trying to embrace won’t I don’t get. Things have a way of working out. I am grateful for not getting a few things I thought I wanted.

What were your favorite films of this year?

I watched installment two of the Hobbit. One more installment in December 2014. I also saw Meet the Millers, which was actually quite funny!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 39, and I had a small get together at a friends’ house. I also went to other lunches and dinners.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I’m trying to focus on being grateful for the things I have. Sometimes we think life will be great when we have this, that, or the other, but things are good!

It would be nice to have someone to share my life with, but only if it’s the right person.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?

I like to be comfortable.

What kept you sane?

Writing, traveling, and my close friends.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Not really into anyone right now.

What political issue stirred you the most?

The healthcare debate is interesting. On one hand, I don’t mind helping those in need. On the other hand, I see many people in the middleclass having rising health packages. I am concerned with the middle class shrinkage.

Who did you miss?

I miss my friends who live far away like Yamini, Mary, and Molly.

Who was the best new person you met?

Did I meet anyone new?

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.

I have to constantly remind myself that it doesn’t matter what life throws at me, it matters how I react to it. I have to ask myself the question will it matter in a week, month, or year. Most times the answer is no.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?

“It's my life

It's now or never

I ain't gonna live forever

I just want to live while I'm alive

(It's my life)

My heart is like an open highway

Like Frankie said

I did it my way

I just wanna live while I'm alive

It's my life”

Bon Jovi

Spring is Around the Corner

The bird caught my eye.

It's kind of a stark picture that I would love to paint. It certainly has a winter feel. No leaves and it's grey.

Yesterday I was looking over some posts from earlier in the year, and I saw a picture of a blooming tree that was taken in February. I realized things will be "coming back to life" soon. The longest day of the year has past, and the days are getting longer slowly but surely.

I believe there is a lesson in there somewhere :).

I can totally feel this picture, and I know that spring is around the corner.

Staff Party

Every year around Christmas, our executive team hosts a a lunch for staff. It's always fun. It's a nice catered lunch and there are raffles. Here are a few pictures from the event from the picture booth.

Winter Snow December 20, 2013

I didn't have a chance to take pictures in my neighborhood of the snow, so here are some on the downtown waterfront.

 

 

 

This one is a little grainy, but I love the Japanese Maples too much not to post it :).

This is my favorite.

Second favorite.

Arts N Carafes - Fourth Class

Last night I had another fun night at Arts N Carafes. I enjoyed hanging out, painting, and chatting with Anitra! The owner, Bev, does a great job instructing the class on recreating the painting of the night. It's something different and fun to do, and you take home something you created and can place on your wall. And it's very relaxing!

There are four other paintings I want to do. I'm going to run out of wall space soon! I never like my painting as I am doing it. At the end, I like it. The next day I love it.

"Sheets of empty canvas, untouched sheets of clay..."

LTB's Masterpiece in progress

Anitra's Masterpiece in progress

Anitra: The Artist

LTB: The Artist

Anitra: The Artist x 2

LTB: The Final Product

LTB & Anitra: The Finished Projects

LTB: The Artist